Diy jl audio 12w7

[UH Matt]

I'm thinking about starting a build using a JL audio 12w7. I can't seem to find any post about anyone using them in a diy. So i was wondering if the 12 w7 is any good in a home theater environment, or if there is an alternative that is even better.

 

[alexwakelin]

The 12w7 is an excellent driver, and with the proper amplifier and equalizer you will get similar performance to the JL Audio fathom, a $2000+ subwoofer, at a fraction of the price.

There is a detailed build thread here:
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53038

You will probably want to use the Behringer ep2500 amplifier and the Behringer dcx 2496 eq.

 

[UH Matt]

Thanks alot! Another question, I have been looking around on various forums and read that the Behringer DSP1124P will do the same thing as the dcx 2496 eq for 1/3 of the cost. Is that true?

 

[lsiberian]

I have been looking around on various forums and read that the Behringer DSP1124P will do the same thing as the dcx 2496 eq for 1/3 of the cost. Is that true?

Not entirely. the DSP will only eq. It won't high pass or low pass filter.

Plus the DCX takes 3 channels and has 6 outputs.

The DCX is probably the most useful component in a DIY bid.

It can crossover, high pass, and eq.

To do the same with seperate components would be much more difficult and expensive.

I suggest you consider a ported box as well as a sealed one. See which one you prefer.

The BFD works great for a sealed sub.

 

[UH Matt]

Awesome, i guess ill order the 2496 soon. My ep-2500 should be here in a day or 2, then im going to go pick up my W7. I'm so excited about this build, Thanks for the help. I'll prolly be asking alot more questions.

 

[lsiberian]

Awesome, i guess ill order the 2496 soon. My ep-2500 should be here in a day or 2, then im going to go pick up my W7. I'm so excited about this build, Thanks for the help. I'll prolly be asking alot more questions.

I must warn you that the w7 is probably overpriced.

an AXIS or Maelstrom would give you comparable performance at a fraction of the cost.

I would only build an 8w7 with that series for a house. I think an Audiopulse Axis 12" would easily meet your needs at a fraction of the cost. And if you seal it a BFD 1124DSP will be sufficent for eqing.

The DCX is a great tool, but not necessary if you only need eqing.

A Shiva X would also be sufficient and comparable at much lower cost.

 

[UH Matt]

Since im going to build a sealed sub i should only need the dsp right?

 

[lsiberian]

Since im going to build a sealed sub i should only need the dsp right?

Yes you wouldn't need a high pass filter.

the DSP would be sufficient for eqing, but you may want a better crossover.

 

[UH Matt]

I see the Axis is about $100 less than ill be able to get the JL. Would it be worth the extra $100 to get the sq that the JL has?

 

[lsiberian]

I see the Axis is about $100 less than ill be able to get the JL. Would it be worth the extra $100 to get the sq that the JL has?

Do you have a large room?

Also do you have a box size limit?

 

[jamie2112]

I see the Axis is about $100 less than ill be able to get the JL. Would it be worth the extra $100 to get the sq that the JL has?

The Axis is an incredible speaker. I myself would go for the Axis...

 

[lsiberian]

I see the Axis is about $100 less than ill be able to get the JL. Would it be worth the extra $100 to get the sq that the JL has?

If you want the best sealed in your budget range then build a Sealed Maelstrom.

http://www.diycable.com/main/product_info.php?products_id=681

400 dollar driver put in the largest box we can allow and then apply eq corrections once your in room.

It will work in a sealed cu3ft box if you have that limitation.



The maelstrom will give you more output than the JL Audio 12w7 and is cheaper.

The Axis 12" requires a ported box for best performance in my modeling.


http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/enclosure-volume-calculator/

Use the above calculator for volumes

Use box notes to get a cut list

Remember to line the box with 6lb rock wool. And put a couple shelf braces in there. I would also double the front baffle.

The maelstrom doesn't require a high pass filter, but If you want to be safe then you can set one using the dynamic EQ feature of a DCX(very nice)

 

[UH Matt]

Yes on both sadly. I think the room is about 15x20 and my gf doesnt want the box to be to big. Thats why i decided on the 12 and not something like an 15 or 18.

 

[lsiberian]

The Axis is an incredible speaker. I myself would go for the Axis...

It is but, I would suggest the Maelstrom for a sealed approach. That driver is very powerful, decently priced and has plenty of examples available on forums.

Now the 15" axis is another story, but the 12 requires a bit more work to get the response out in a sealed build. In a ported build though.

I think either would be more suitable for your application. Cost is a very important part of this hobby.

However this is no contest in my modeling the Axis 12" can't compete with the Maelstrom.

Get the Maelstrom.

 

[lsiberian]

Yes on both sadly. I think the room is about 15x20 and my gf doesnt want the box to be to big. Thats why i decided on the 12 and not something like an 15 or 18.

If you want small build an Exodus Shiva-X in a 2 cuft box may work.

The shiva gives up a some SPL to other drives but will still beat almost any commercial sub below 1000 dollars. Exodus makes great drivers and though small the Shiva packs a nice punch.I have a small space and plan to get a Shive in the fullness of time. You can get 100 spl in a 2 cuft box at 20hz. That's insane with room gain adding much more SPL. I know the JL Audio looks nice, but it's simply overpriced IMO. I think your extra 200 dollars could be better spent elsewhere in your setup.

And if it's not enough you can always get 2 Shivas for the price of one JL Audio 12w7 or maelstrom.

 

[UH Matt]

Ive been thinking about this for about 3 weeks and as soon as i think i have my mind made up the whole plan goes to crap. I'll take the maelstrom into consideration and plug it into bass box tonight. Thanks for all the help, ill keep you posted.

 

[lsiberian]

Ive been thinking about this for about 3 weeks and as soon as i think i have my mind made up the whole plan goes to crap. I'll take the maelstrom into consideration and plug it into bass box tonight. Thanks for all the help, ill keep you posted.

I edited my post to toss in the Shiva-X. It does very well in a sealed box for a 12". It costs less an will fill most peoples needs for SPL.

I do suggest a DCX2496 if budget allows because of all its capabilities. It's the swiss army knife of audio.

 

[lsiberian]

Ive been thinking about this for about 3 weeks and as soon as i think i have my mind made up the whole plan goes to crap. I'll take the maelstrom into consideration and plug it into bass box tonight. Thanks for all the help, ill keep you posted.

Yeah but when you finally get there it will have been a valuable learning experience. I wish you had popped in sooner. While many drivers are pushed here. I think you miss some options.

Make sure to check out Home Theater Shack, and AVS forums for other ideas. But do read and apply Wmax's posts.

 

[UH Matt]

I read around on avs alot, been on there for a little over a year when i bought my tv. Just found hometheatershack about a week ago, but audioholics is the only fourm that isnt blocked while im at work. Its so much information to take in and decide what to build. I went and listened to the gotham last weekend and decided i needed to just do the jl. Ive been in car audio for a while and was still blown away at the gotham.

 

[lsiberian]

I read around on avs alot, been on there for a little over a year when i bought my tv. Just found hometheatershack about a week ago, but audioholics is the only fourm that isnt blocked while im at work. Its so much information to take in and decide what to build. I went and listened to the gotham last weekend and decided i needed to just do the jl. Ive been in car audio for a while and was still blown away at the gotham.

Well there are many ways to go. A sealed 15" Axis build or Maelstrom build would be very impressive. On the flip side a JL audio 8w7 build would be a nice small sub with a big sub sound.